AKU Celebrates 30 Years of Innovative Footwear Designs with Retro, European Styling

AKU (ORSM Booth # 29108W), an Italian company that designs and manufactures high quality hiking boots and outdoor footwear, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2015 with a footwear collection that heralds its European styling and heritage. The 2015 collection will include bright, retro colors that will make hiking and other outdoor activities even more fun. In addition to its ongoing environmentally friendly operations in Italy, the brand will feature Chrome-free leather in an effort to minimize the environmental impact in the areas where leather is tanned. The AKU collection will be available in specialty outdoor stores and across the U.S. and online in March 2015.

“While this new collection is very appealing to the eye, AKU stays true to its original intent of creating comfortable, long-lasting high-performance outdoor footwear,” says Sam McCoubrey, general director at AKU. “Beyond the bright colors, AKU boots and shoes provide utmost comfort and protection with a form-fitting last, enhanced breathability, and a combination of materials for a lightweight and comfortable sole. AKU is proving that you can have fun styling without sacrificing comfort and performance.”

NEW STYLES FOR 2015:

Slope 30 GTX is the latest version of AKU’s most successful trekking model ever (Slope has been a best seller in Europe for many years). For this 30-year anniversary, the Slope 30 is a special edition that will also be available to U.S. consumers. Three key features – lightweight, instantly comfortable fit, and style – have made this model a tried and true best seller for AKU. Other features include a Gore-Tex® liner, a flat Vibram® Erica Everest outsole for maximum ground contact and traction, dual density EVA midsole, and AIR8000® technology for enhanced breathability. Slope 30 is perfect for day treks on easy to medium difficulty terrain.

Weight: 18.5 oz.

Colors: Beige, Multi

MSRP: $199.99

Ultra Light 30 GTX is a conventional AKU trekking model for women, brought back in the original style and retro colors to celebrate its 30th anniversary. It is a lightweight boot, with AIR8000® for enhanced breathability. Other features include a Gore-Tex® liner, a flat Vibram® Erica Everest outsole for maximum ground contact and traction, and a dual density EVA midsole. Ideal footwear for women who enjoy day treks on medium difficulty terrain.

Weight: 15.5 oz

Colors: Light Grey, Multi

MSRP: $199.99

Alpina Plus LTR, the next generation of the company’s popular Transalpina GTX model, is an ultra-comfortable, versatile hiking boot. The upper and liner is crafted with Chrome-free top quality leather. The Vibram® outsole with Exoskeleton construction is designed with the exclusive AKU IMS3 system to ensure cushioning and excellent stability. The midsole in soft, shock-absorbing EVA is bonded with a PU heel cup, which ensures stable support and all day comfort. The heel cup has an asymmetrical construction and is thicker in the medial area to increase pronation support. The Megagrip Vibram® outsole provides exceptional traction on wet surfaces.

Weight: 20.8 oz

Color: Brown

MSRP: $249.99

Nuvola GTX is an extremely comfortable, breathable hiking boot that is ideal for walking on easy terrain and urban trekking. The low profile design offers excellent sensitivity and safety even on stretches of rocky ground. The upper is made with a combination of suede and AIR8000 fabric that enhances breathability and makes it lightweight. The Vibram® Predator II Megagrip sole offer traction and the Gore-Tex® liner makes them waterproof. Nuvola GTX is a performance shoe that comes across as a casual shoe.

Colors: Brown, Grey/Violet

MSRP: $189.99

Bellamont Plus is a casual leather shoe that reinforces AKU’s commitment to environmentally friendly production. The leather upper and liner is made of Chrome-free leather, the fabric components are made of recycled material, and the footbed is a made of sustainable components such as coconut husks and latex. The sole is made of Vibram® Predator II Ecostep, providing comfort and traction.

Color: Dark Brown

MSRP: $189.99 (low)

$199.99 (mid)

Bellamont Suede is an ideal casual outdoor-style footwear for daily use around town and when travelling. It is designed with the highest European manufacturing standards and 100% of the shoe’s components are traceable to their origin. The Vibram® outsole is made with Ecostep rubber, and the EVA midsole is made using recycled materials.

Colors: Chili, Cream, Brown

MSRP: $169.99

Bellamont Air is a casual outdoor-style shoe ideally suited for daily use between rigorous outdoor activities. The upper is made with AKU’s unique AIR8000 technology that makes the shoe ultra breathable in hot climates and the rubber rand provides toe protection and durability. The Sanifit lining offers antimicrobial properties and the Vibram® Predator II Ecostep sole provides excellent traction. 

Colors: Beige, Red, Multi, Pink

MSRP: $169.99

About AKU:

AKU was founded by Galliano Bordin in Italy in 1955. Since then, the company has grown from a small workshop into a company with more than thirty years’ experience in the design and production of high-quality trekking, mountaineering and outdoor footwear. AKU’s production plant is located in Montebelluna, Italy in the province of Treviso. AKU footwear is currently sold in 23 countries. For more info, please visit: www.aku.it/en/

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